National League of Cities Responds to Members of Congress Opposing Marketplace Fairness Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National League of Cities Responds to Members of Congress Opposing Marketplace Fairness Act

June 18, 2013

National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director Clarence Anthony responds to today's news conference by members of Congress opposing of the Marketplace Fairness Act:

"This week our country celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week. How ironic that during this week, those who should help promote local businesses are calling for the House to reject legislation to put main street retailers on an equal footing with internet sellers.

"To help small business, NLC calls on the House Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on the Marketplace Fairness Act, H.R. 684, which allows states and local governments to require internet sellers to collect sales taxes owed today.

"How many boarded up businesses do we have to have before we recognize a problem? For how long can stores on main street survive as showrooms for internet sellers?

"As sales over the internet continue to rise, which is good for the national economy, we need to level the playing field for small businesses in our hometowns that have always been the backbone of our economy. We know the success of America's small businesses is critical to growing our economy - main street retailers help create attractive and safe streets, and they put the t-shirts on our little league teams.

"The Senate got it right when it passed legislation with an overwhelming bipartisan vote to reduce the burden and make it easier for law abiding people to pay the sales taxes they owe on their retail purchases, whether made over the internet or physically in a store. Now, it's time for the House to act."

The National League of Cities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.